What you need to do to get a new Arizona driver's license
To get a new Arizona driver's license, you visit an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) office in person, bring the required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. You cannot do this entirely online or by mail — Arizona requires you to appear in person for the vision screening and to have your identity verified on the spot. The whole process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes at the office, and your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are a U.S. citizen, a valid passport or birth certificate works for identity. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you will need a visa, travel permit, or other federal immigration document. Residency proof can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit an ADOT office in person; there is no online or mail-in route for a new license.
- Bring a valid passport or birth certificate, proof you live in Arizona dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
- You will take a vision test at the office and pay a fee that varies by license type and validity period.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can drive legally with your receipt until it arrives.
Documents you must bring to the ADOT office
Arizona requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a valid visa, an employment authorization document (EAD), a permanent resident card (green card), or a tribal ID card. If your document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation as well.
For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Arizona address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit union statement, a property tax bill, an insurance policy, or a vehicle registration. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your current address.
You must also provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can provide an ITIN instead. Bring the card or a letter from the Social Security Administration or IRS showing your number. If you cannot provide either, ADOT will issue you a license number instead, though some states and agencies may not recognize it.
Where to go and how to schedule your visit
ADOT has 16 office locations across Arizona. You can find the nearest one and check hours on the ADOT website. Some offices are in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale, Scottsdale, Tempe, and other cities. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer Saturday hours.
You do not need to schedule an appointment at most ADOT offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some locations now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time. Check the ADOT website for your specific office to see if appointments are available. If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day, as wait times can be longer in the afternoon.
The vision test and what happens at the office
At the ADOT office, you will take a vision screening. The test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you cannot get your license that day, and ADOT will tell you to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.
After you pass the vision test, an ADOT employee will verify your documents, confirm your identity, and take your photograph and signature. You will also answer questions about your health and driving history. Be honest — lying on these questions can result in your license being suspended or revoked later. Once everything is complete, you will pay the fee and receive a receipt. You can drive legally using this receipt until your physical license arrives in the mail.
License fees and how long your license lasts
Arizona driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard Class D license (for regular passenger vehicles) costs less than a commercial license or a license with special endorsements. You can choose a license valid for 5 years, 10 years, or 12 years. The longer the validity period, the higher the upfront cost, but the lower your cost per year.
As of 2024, a 5-year Class D license costs around $25, a 10-year license around $45, and a 12-year license around $55, though these amounts can change. If you are under 18, your license has different rules and costs. If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and flights), the fee is slightly higher. Check the ADOT website or call your local office for the exact current fee.
What to do if you cannot pass the vision test
If you fail the vision screening at ADOT, you cannot get your license that day. ADOT will give you a form to take to an eye doctor or optometrist. The eye doctor will perform a full vision exam and fill out the form if you meet the vision standards for driving. You then return to ADOT with the completed form, and you can proceed with getting your license.
Vision standards in Arizona require that you see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without correction. If you have a condition like color blindness or night blindness, ADOT may restrict your license to daytime driving only or require you to wear corrective lenses. These restrictions will appear on your license.
After you leave the office: waiting for your license in the mail
Your new Arizona driver's license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The receipt you received at the ADOT office is your legal proof of a valid license until the physical card arrives. You can use this receipt to drive, and you should carry it with you. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact ADOT to check the status.
Once your license arrives, check it for errors. If your name, date of birth, address, or other information is wrong, return to an ADOT office with your license and bring the correct documents. ADOT will issue a corrected license at no additional charge if the error was their mistake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a new Arizona driver's license if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, proof of Arizona residency, and Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need to surrender your old license, but Arizona will issue you a new Arizona license. You can keep both, though you should carry only the Arizona license when driving in Arizona.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can provide an ITIN instead, or ADOT will issue you a license without either. However, a license without a Social Security number may not be recognized by some agencies or states. Bring a letter from the IRS or Social Security Administration if you have an ITIN.
Do I need a Real ID license, and does it cost more?
A Real ID license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. It costs slightly more than a standard license and requires one additional document proving your Social Security number. Ask at the ADOT office whether you need Real ID, or check the ADOT website for details.
What if I moved to Arizona recently and do not have a 60-day residency document yet?
You can use documents that show your intent to live in Arizona, such as a signed lease, a utility bill process, or a mortgage agreement. Contact your local ADOT office before you visit to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.
Can someone else pick up my license from the mail, or do I have to be home?
Your license will be mailed to the address you provided at ADOT. You do not have to be home to receive it — it will be left in your mailbox. If you are concerned about mail theft, you can ask ADOT if they offer signature-required delivery, though this is not standard.